Summer is upon us and December arrived with bush fires in Queensland and flooding rains in NSW. Our best wishes go out to all those affected as well as our brave emergency services workers. Read more →

It seems as though every year as people gear up for tax time, there’s a new type of fraud or cyber attack that crops up. Most people want to do the right thing when it comes to dealing with government authorities like the Australian Tax Office (ATO), and scammers take advantage of that. Read more →

As April arrives Queenslanders are clearing up after the devastation of Cyclone Debbie which damaged homes, businesses and agricultural crops. Our thoughts and best wishes go out to all those affected.

Our April update includes a very special front page, as we introduce our first Chief Executive Officer of the firm, Kate Mannix.

It’s hard to believe it’s February already, with the nation back at work and kids back at school after the summer holidays.

Casual cash quarter

This casual cash quarter we are recognising the hard work that our local firefighters do, especially during the warmer months. We will be supporting our local Lockwood and Maiden Gully Fire Brigades through casual cash donations.

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Economic Update:

All eyes were on the US in January, where newly installed President Trump hit the ground running. Markets took this as an encouraging sign that he would follow through on promised tax cuts and infrastructure spending. An encouraging start to the US company reporting season and higher oil prices also boosted confidence, until confusion surrounding immigration policy prompted a late sell off.

In Australia, local shares lost ground over the month despite continued strength in iron ore prices and tame inflation. The consumer price index (CPI) rose by a lower than expected 0.5% in the December quarter, taking the annual rate of inflation to 1.5% from 1.3% previously. This leaves the door open for a potential further rate cut by the Reserve Bank if inflation remains in check.

Also in this issue:

Home office deductions explanation

Wine Equalisation Tax Rebate changes summarised

Tips on how to get your business on track for 2017

Venture Financial Advisors raise the topic of education costs

What we’ve been up to in the community.

We hope you find this issue informative, should you wish to investigate any of these matters, we encourage you to contact our office.

AFS turns 70

In this month’s edition we cover the history of AFS. This year we celebrate 70 years of service in Bendigo and beyond. From humble beginnings to a team of over 70, we take a look back at the history of the firm.

The wonderful work from all of our team over the years has shaped AFS into the successful firm it is today. AFS now has seven Partners and over 70 staff, comparing itself to second-tier firms in Melbourne.

Our culture sets us apart from other accounting firms. It’s the customer service and respect with which we treat our clients that makes us stand out. It defines who we are and how we connect with our clients and community.

Read about where our firm began and how it became all that it is today here.

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Also in this issue:

December economic summary

Superannuation reform Bill passed

SuperStream compliance under the spotlight

Small business exit plan

Research and development tax rate change

Primary producer income tax averaging

Simplified record keeping

AFS takes the cup four years running

Toiletry packs for those in need

We hope you find this issue informative, should you wish to investigate any of these matters, we encourage you to contact our office.

In this month’s edition we cover the fight for cystic fibrosis. Earlier this year we were saddened to hear the news that little Macie had been diagnosed with CF. Macie is the granddaughter of Danny Caulfield, one of our long time associates. Read more →